When South Whitehall commissioners voted March 18 to save Wehr's Dam, they knew the structure would need repairs, based on information from a study conducted by KCI Technologies.

At that time, Senior Project Scientist Nate Hoffman, from the firm selected by Wildlands Conservancy to survey the dam and stream, reported numerous cracks and seepage areas are causing the abutment to break up, and the flood gate is rusted shut.

The KCI report indicated the cost for correcting structural deficiencies would be $950,857.

At the April 15 meeting, Commissioner Glenn Block asked to again discuss the issue.

"I'd like to reopen discussions on Wehr's Dam," Block said. "Let's put a plan in place for routine maintenance for safety and to maintain the structure.

"Let's try to meet Department of Environmental Protection specifications for passing inspection when it comes up in 2016. It's good to do it when the water is low."

Township Manager Howard Kutzler suggested contacting Dan Honig, a structural engineer from the Swarthmore area who has expertise with dams.

"Let's reach out to Dan," Kutzler said. "He believes some reasonable repairs can be made that will not break the bank. He could prepare a plan for this."

Honig had been asked by South Whitehall to review the KCI study and to look at the dam's structure.

However, by the time Honig received the KCI document in February, the dam was frozen over and he was unable to prepare a report prior to the March 18 vote.

Resident Sam Sacco suggested asking the township engineer to recommend someone to evaluate the dam.

Block advised seeking multiple bids to obtain a cross-section of applicants for the dam structural review.

Kutzler offered to start the process through a request for proposals.

Board President Christina "Tori" Morgan referred to a referendum, mentioned at the March 18 meeting.

Block responded.

"We agreed not to raise taxes or go into debt for the dam, but we don't know the cost," Block said. "Let's first properly assess the cost.

"If significant money is necessary, then consider a referendum."

Commissioner Dale Daubert provided his thoughts on the matter.

"We don't need a referendum," Daubert said. "We already have a referendum with the 7,500 signatures on the petitions. I'll be voting no on a referendum."

The discussion ended with the expectation of receiving replies from individuals or firms interested in undertaking a structural evaluation of the dam with recommendations for repairs.